HE missed out in 1976 but ended up celebrating a double - this time he is guaranteed a seat at Saints' big day out.

It's second time lucky for Saints season-ticket holder Bob Bryant.

On May 1, 1976 he had to give up his seat at Wembley to a friend's neighbour when his wife was rushed to hospital to give birth to their daughter.

As fans outside cheered Saints' only Cup final victory after they beat Manchester United 1-0, Bob and his wife Avril were celebrating the birth of their daughter and in honour of Saints' only cup triumph they named her Victoria.

Bob, 69, said: "I could not possibly leave her, so I reluctantly let my friend's neighbour have my ticket.

"My wife asked me why I was there when I should have been at Wembley, but I could not leave her.

"I managed to watch the game though on a TV.

"Our lovely daughter was born at 11.30pm while all the celebrations were taking place. I could hear the car horns while I was sitting in the waiting room."

Now, 27 years on, Bob and Avril from Totton, will be travelling up to Cardiff for the day hoping to see Saints lift the cup.

Meanwhile daughter Victoria, who is an avid Saints fan, has not been able to get hold of a ticket.

"She would make a great mascot for the day," Bob added.